Legal Definitions - witness stand

Definition: The witness stand is the place in a courtroom where a person who is giving evidence sits or stands. It is usually a raised platform to the left of the judge's seat. When a witness is asked to give evidence, they are said to "take the stand."

During the trial, the witness was asked to take the stand and swear to tell the truth.

The defendant's lawyer cross-examined the witness on the stand.

These examples illustrate how the witness stand is a physical location in a courtroom where a witness gives evidence. When a witness takes the stand, they are in a position to be questioned by the lawyers and judged by the judge and jury.